Ilocos Sur mulls dropping COVID-19 testing requirements

Healthcare workers in Ilocos Sur get swab samples to test individuals for COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of Vigan city government)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The provincial government of Ilocos Sur is planning to drop its COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated returning residents and tourists.

In a statement on November 23, Gov. Ryan Luis Singson said the provincial COVID-19 task force may scrap the requirement by December 1.

Regardless of vaccination status, returning residents, including overseas Filipino workers, tourists, and authorized persons outside residence are still required by the provincial government to comply with the minimum requirement of presenting a negative antigen test result before being allowed to enter Ilocos Sur.

If the testing requirement is removed, individuals would only need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated to enter the province, Singson said.

The governor said the public should comply with the strict health protocols when border protocols are relaxed.

Latest data from the provincial government showed that Ilocos Sur has 309 active COVID-19 cases.

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For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

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